Cable with memory

ABSTRACT

A cable for providing electric power from a power source to a mobile device, the cable having a first connector at a first end of the cable for connecting the cable to a mobile device and with a second connector at a second end for connecting the cable to the power source, wherein the cable comprises a memory module for backup and bidirectional transfer of data to and from the mobile device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No.12/740,657 filed Apr. 29, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,560,865, which is anational stage filing of International Application No. PCT/EP2008/064655filed Oct. 29, 2008 which claims priority from Demnark PatentApplication No. PA200800157 filed Feb. 5, 2008 and Denmark PatentApplication No. PA200701547 filed Oct. 30, 2007.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to backup and bidirectional transfer ofdata to and from a mobile device, for example a mobile phone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

When a mobile device (for example a mobile phone) is lost, typically alarge amount of personal data is lost, because the user has notbacked-up the data from the mobile device. Backup of data usuallyrequires a connection to a computer, for example personal computer or aremote server, and regular conscious time and efforts on the part of theuser. However, many users of mobile devices do not have ready and easyaccess to a computer at all times, which prevents them from regular andfrequent backup of data. In addition, many users not only forget butalso have no time for regular and frequent back up of data.

US patent application No. 2003/0098670 by Kobayashi discloses atelephone charger with a data backup function of reading out variousdata stored in the memory inside the cellular phone and storing them anda re-storing function of writing various backup data to the memoryinside the cellular phone. The telephone charger is connected to thephone, either directly or by a cable. The charger is powered either froma home power socket or from dry cell. US patent application No.2006/0158154 by Maurilus discloses a telephone charger with backupmemory. Once the telephone is coupled to the charger, the data from theprimary memory is backed up to the backup memory. European patentapplication EP 1 583 199 by Osaka discloses a desktop holder for a cellphone, the desktop having a charging and a data backup function. Thedesktop

These systems have the disadvantage for the user that a backup is onlypossible, if the charger is present. As the charger is bulky, it isunlikely that the user will have the charger at hand, unless the user isat home or at the office, where the charger, typically, is stored.

It is desirable to provide a user-friendly system for backup andbidirectional transfer of data to and from a mobile device, where thesystem is not only easy to transport but also applicable even when phoneis charged via other power sources e.g. computer, car charger etc.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a user-friendly system forbackup and bidirectional transfer of data to and from a mobile device,which is easy to transport and applicable when phone is charged viathrough other power sources.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This object is achieved with a cable for providing electric power from apower source, for example a USB charger, computer etc, to an electronicmobile device, the cable having a first connector at a first end of thecable for connecting the cable to the mobile device and having a secondconnector at a second end for connecting the cable to the power sourcewherein the cable comprises a memory module for backup and bidirectionaltransfer of data to and from the mobile device.

As the cable does not include a charger, desktop holder and powersupply, it is much more user friendly and easy to transport than priorart systems. The backup memory module can be made very small and lightweight, such that the cable can easily be transported in a pocket.

In a preferred solution, the first end is a part of a first cable partand the second end is a part of a second cable part, wherein both cableparts are fastened directly and irremovably to the memory module. Theterm irremovably implies that a removal of the cable parts from thememory module destroys the cable and the memory module.

The memory of the memory module may be irremovably integrated in thememory module. The term “irremovable integrated” is to be understoodsuch that the memory module is damaged if the memory is removed form themodule. However, preferably, the memory of the memory module isremovable. Optionally, the memory module comprises a microcontroller,however, this is not necessary in a variety of applications, as it willappear from the following.

In a practical embodiment, the memory module comprises a digital databus and a memory card interface. Preferably, the memory card interfacecomprises a receptacle for a removable memory card, for example thereceptacle is a slot for a flash memory card.

In addition, the memory module may comprise a USB interface, i.e. areceptacle for USB flash drive.

In a practical embodiment, the cable is an USB cable and the firstconnector is a USB connector (or its variants including USB OTG) and thesecond connector is USB connectors. Alternatively, the first connectoris a Proprietary connector and the second connector is a USB connector.

Such a cable can advantageously be connected to a mobile device and apower source such as a USB charger, computer etc. for backup andbidirectional transfer of data to and from the mobile devicesimultaneously with charging operation of the mobile device.

In the case where the mobile device, for example telephone, does nothave a charging port that also functions as a data port, that end of thecable that connects to the mobile device divides/bufircates into twoconnectors, where one connector is used for transport of data into thedata port of the mobile device (for example micro USB or its variantsincluding USB OTG or proprietary connector) and another connector isconnected to the charging port, for example as a standard chargingconnector or as a proprietary charging connector for the mobile device.

In preferred embodiments, the mobile device acts as a master and thememory module acts as a slave. In other words, the mobile devicecontrols the transfer of the data both from the mobile device to thememory module and from the memory module to the mobile device.

For example, the mobile device is configured for requesting a usercommand for initiating and transferring all the user data or selecteduser data from the mobile device to the memory module.

Alternatively, the mobile device is configured for automatic back-up ofall the user data from the mobile device to the memory module as aresponse to a connection of the cable to the mobile device and,optionally, to the power source for charging the mobile device.

In the situation, where the memory module acts as a slave, amicrocontroller is not strictly necessary in the memory module. If thememory module is microcontroller-free, the production costs are lower,which production-wise is simpler and may be an advantage commerciallydue to the lower costs.

In other embodiments, the memory module comprises a microcontroller, andacts as a master and the mobile device acts as a slave. In other words,the memory module controls the transfer of the data both from the mobiledevice to the memory module and from the memory module to the mobiledevice.

For example, the memory module with the microcontroller is configuredfor receiving a user command for initiating reading and transferring alldata or selected data from a memory card or a USB flash drive of thememory module to the mobile device.

As a further example, the memory module is configured for initiatingautomatic backup of all the user data from the mobile device to thememory module as a response to a connection of the cable to the mobiledevice and, optionally, to the power source for charging the mobiledevice.

The cable may be configured to act automatically as a standard USB cableafter backup (automatic) or restore/switch function or on user commandvia a toggle switch on the memory module any time.

In cases, where the mobile device, for example cell phone, does not havea corresponding program installed for backup facility, the cable withthe memory module may advantageously be configured for acting as astandard USB cable, for example by setting the backup function into asleep mode after a check for a corresponding program in the mobiledevice.

Preferably, the mobile device has a removable memory card for storage ofdata, and the cable has a memory module with a removable memory card,preferably, of the same type as the memory card of the mobile device.

In a further embodiment, the mobile device is configured forautomatically storing all the user data on the removable memory cardinside the mobile device and for holding the internal memory of themobile device free from any user data.

Optionally, the mobile device is configured for automatically creating adefault directory and file structure on the removable memory card insidethe mobile device as part of the start procedure after insertion of anew memory card into the mobile device.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described in more detail with reference to thedrawing, where

FIG. 1 shows an example of a mobile device,

FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of the invention, and

FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a mobile device 1, for example a mobile phone or PDA. Themobile device 1 has a display screen 2 and a keypad 3 with a navigationbutton 4. In addition, it has a first interface 5 for a memory card, forexample a micro SD or mini SD, a second interface 6 for a micro USB,mini USB, USB OTG or other Proprietary interface.

The mobile device 1 is configured for automatically storing all userdata on the removable memory card 7 inside the mobile device such thatthe internal memory in the mobile device is not used for storing anyuser data.

Alternatively, the internal memory is used for storing user data, butall these data are also stored on the memory card.

The mobile device, under user command and control, writes a defaultdirectory and file structure to the removable memory card 7 as part ofthe start procedure after insertion of a new memory card 7 into themobile device 1.

FIG. 2 shows the cable 8 having a first connector 9 at a first end 16 ofthe cable 8, the first connector being a micro USB or mini USB or USBOTG or Proprietary connector for plugging into the mobile deviceinterface 6. The cable 8 has a second connector 10 at a second end 17,preferably being a USB connector 10 for plugging into a power source 11,for example, a charger or a computer. Furthermore, the cable has amemory module 12 between the connectors 9 and 10. The memory module 12has a memory card interface 13, preferably, a micro SD or mini SD cardinterface, used for receiving a memory card 14, preferably, a micro SDor mini SD card.

FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment of the cable 8 having

-   -   1) Micro USB or Mini USB or USB OTG or Proprietary connector 9        to plug into Mobile device interface 1    -   2) USB connector 10 to plug into power source 11 (for example a        charger or a computer)    -   3) Memory module 12    -   4) Micro SD or Mini SD or other memory card interface 13    -   5) Micro SD or Mini SD or other memory card 14    -   6) USB interface 15    -   7) USB flash drive 18

As it shown in the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the first end 16 is part of afirst cable part 8′ and the second end 17 is part of a second cable part8″, wherein both cable parts 8′, 8″ are fastened directly andirremovably to the memory module 12 such that the memory module—thus,being integral part of the cable—cannot be detached or removed from thecable 8 without destroying the cable 8 and the memory module 12.

The invention also includes an alternative solution, wherein the memorymodule 12 may itself be provided with connectors, such as USB (or itsvariants including USB OTG) connectors, so that it can be connected withone USB cable or USB-like cable (Propriety connector at one end and USBconnector at other) to the mobile device and with another USB cable tothe power source. The memory module works then as a backup memory forthe mobile device but is transparent with regard to the power provisionfrom the power source to the mobile device. Such a module may also havea memory card receptacle for a removable memory card and may have a USBFlash drive interface. Alternatively, the memory in the memory module isirremovable from the memory module. As an option, the memory module maycomprise a microcontroller in addition.

In all the above embodiments, the memory module is powered either fromthe mobile device or the power source.

The mobile device acts as a master and the memory module acts as a slavein various operating modes.

Operating Mode 1

The mobile device 1, under user command and control, initiates andtransfers the all the user data from the memory card 7 of the mobiledevice 1 to the memory module 12 over the interface 6 and the connector9. All the user data can be backed-up, under user command and control,to either the memory card 14 or the USB flash drive 19 of the memorymodule 12, as illustrated in the FIG. 3 embodiment. A power connectionmay or may not be required for this mode of operation.

In addition or alternatively, the mobile device 1 may be configured forautomatically backing-up all the user data from the memory card 7 of themobile device 1 to the memory card 14 of the memory module as a responseto a connection of the cable 8 to the mobile device 1 and, optionally,to the power source 11 for charging the mobile device 1.

Further, in this mode, selected data from the memory card 7 of themobile device 1, under user command and control, can either be copied orappended to the data either on the memory card 14 or the USB flash drive18 of the memory module 12. The data on the memory card 14 or the USBflash drive 18 of the memory module 12 may have been obtained from othersources such as a computer or another mobile device. A power connectionmay or may not be required for this mode of operation.

Operating Mode 2

The mobile device, under user command and control, reads and transfersthe selected data either from the memory card 14 or the USB flash drive18 of the memory module 12 to the mobile device 1 by mastering thememory module 12 over the interface 6 and connector 9. The selected datacan be either copied or appended, under user command and control, to thedata on the memory card 7 of the mobile device 1. The data on the memorycard 14 or the USB flash drive 18 of the memory module 12 may have beenobtained from other sources such as a computer or another mobile device.A power connection may or may not be required for this mode ofoperation.

Alternatively, the memory module 12 comprises a microcontroller and actsas a master and the mobile device 1 acts as a slave in various operatingmodes.

Situation 1

Mobile device users depend on the mobile device 1, such as a mobilephone, to the extent that they do not even remember the phone numbers oftheir close family and friends whom they call regularly, not to mentionother people in their phone book.

Many times, users get caught unguarded when outside whereby their mobiledevice battery dies because either they have forgotten to charge thephone or they have used it extensively. In such a situation, they findthemselves disconnected/stranded. They can neither call/connect topeople they were supposed to or want to as they don't generally remembertheir phone numbers or nor other people can call/connect to them as themobile device has no battery.

Generally, Users don't carry the charger with them. It is next toimpossible to find somebody else with a charger to charge the phone andget the information they need from the mobile device.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyput the removable memory card of their mobile device into somebodyelse's mobile device with battery life and can get the information theyneed. This is so, because all user data is entirely contained in theremovable memory card 7 of the mobile device 1.

Situation 2

Users change/upgrade their mobile device regularly. When they do so,they would like to transfer all their data from their existing mobiledevice to their new mobile device.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyput the removable memory card from their exiting mobile device to theirnew mobile device. This is so, because all user data is entirelycontained in the removable memory card 7 of the mobile device 1.Alternatively, the user can transfer data from the memory module 12 tothe new mobile device 1.

In case, the new mobile device has a different connector, the user canput the removable memory card from the memory module 12 on to the memorymodule of the new cable with corresponding connector and transfer datafrom new memory module (on the new cable) to the new mobile device.

Situation 3

As mobile devices are increasingly becoming fashion accessories, userslike to have multiple mobile devices and use different mobile devicesfor different purposes/occasions. They would like all their latest datato be easily available on all their mobile devices.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyput the removable memory card from their mobile device that they werelast using and into other mobile device which they want to use. This isso, because all user data are entirely contained in the removable memorycard 7 of the mobile device 1.

In case, the mobile device user want to use has different connectors,the user can put the removable memory card from the memory module 12 onto the memory module of the new cable with corresponding connector andtransfer data from new memory module (on the new cable) to the mobiledevice user want to use.

Situation 4

Mobile devices are often bent or dropped on the floor or into water.These may result of a mechanical or electrical failure of the mobiledevice. At times these faults are unrepairable or more expensive torepair than to replace the mobile device.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyput the removable memory card from their existing mobile device(damaged) to their new mobile device. In case that the memory card alsohas been damaged, the user can use the removable memory card from thememory module 12 of cable 8. Alternatively, the user can transfer datafrom the memory module 12 to the new mobile device 1.

In case, the new mobile device has different connector, the user can putthe removable memory card from the memory module 12 on to the memorymodule of the new cable with corresponding connector and transfer datafrom new memory module (on the new cable) to the new mobile device.

Situation 5

Mobile devices, for example mobile telephones, are often lost or getstolen. Regardless of how a mobile device goes missing, this not onlymeans the loss of the mobile device itself, but also the loss of all theuser information in the mobile device. In many instances, the loss ofthis information may be more difficult to replace than the loss of themobile device itself. It may even be impossible to replace the lostinformation.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyput the memory card 14 from the memory module 12 of cable 8 into theirnew mobile device 1. Alternatively, the user can transfer data frommemory module 12 to the new mobile device 1.

In case, the new mobile device has different connector, the user can putthe removable memory card from the memory module 12 on to the memorymodule of the new cable with corresponding connector and transfer datafrom new memory module (on the new cable) to the new mobile device.

Situation 6

Sometimes user deletes/looses certain information due to mistakes orerroneous operation.

In the above situation, according to the invention, the user can simplyswap the removable memory card 7 of the mobile device 1 and that memorycard 14 of the memory module 12. Alternatively, the user can transferthe lost data from the memory module 12 to the mobile device 1.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A cable (8) having a connection forproviding electric power from a power source (11) to an electronicmobile device (1), the cable (8) not including a charger or other typeof power supply or power source therein, the cable (8) having a firstconnector (9) at a first end (16) for connecting the cable (8) to themobile device (1); and having a second connector (10) at a second end(17) for connecting the cable (8) to the power source (11); wherein thecable (8) with the first connector (9) connected to the mobile device(1) and the second connector (10) connected to the power source (11) isenabled to charge the mobile device (1) from the power source (11); andwherein the cable (8) comprises a memory module (12) between the first(16) and the second (17) ends; the cable (8) enabled for bidirectionaltransfer of data to and from the mobile device (1) to the memory module(12) through the first connector (9) at the first (16) end connected tothe mobile device (1), for data backup and recovery.
 2. The cableaccording to claim 1, wherein the memory module comprises a digital databus, a memory and a microcontroller.
 3. The cable according to claim 2,wherein the digital data bus between the memory module (12) and thefirst connector (9) at the first (16) end of the cable (8) connected tothe mobile device (1) is a USB.
 4. The cable according to claim 1,wherein the memory module comprises a digital data bus and a memory,wherein the digital data bus connects the memory to the mobile device(1) through the first connector (9) at the first (16) end.
 5. The cableaccording to claim 4, wherein the memory is a flash memory.
 6. The cableaccording to claim 4, wherein the memory module has a receptacle for aflash memory.
 7. The cable according to claim 1, wherein the firstconnector (9) at the first end (16) and the second connector (10) at thesecond end (17) are both USB connectors or Variants of USB connectors.8. The cable according to claim 1, wherein the first end (16) is part ofa first cable part (8′) and the second end (17) is part of a secondcable part (8″), wherein both cable parts (8′,8″) are fastened directlyand irremovably to the memory module (12).
 9. The cable according toclaim 1, where in the second connector (10) at the second end is powersupply connector that does not include a data bus.
 10. The cableaccording to claim 4, wherein the control of data transfers for databackup and recovery between the mobile device (1) and the memory module(12) is handled by the processor on the mobile device (1).
 11. The cableaccording to claim 2, wherein the control of data transfers for databackup and recovery between the mobile device (1) and the memory module(12) is handled by the microcontroller on the memory module (12).